Article April 29, 1905 Issue

While it is always the duty of all to hold fast to that...

J. R. Mosley

Macon (Ga.) News

While it is always the duty of all to hold fast to that which is true and to be ready to prove all things, it is nevertheless true that we are too prone to brand everything as heresy which differs from our own cherished opinions. Indeed, historically considered, heresy means little more than doctrinal views and beliefs differing from those entertained by the persons making the charge. Even Jesus was regarded as the prince of heretics by the orthodox party of his time, and all of the Christian reformers have been regarded as heretics by those who have made tradition rather than Christ and Christliness the standard of orthodoxy.

Another wise lesson which the history of heresy and heretics teaches is that truth and love and Christliness are all that is needed to destroy all the heresies that are not good enough to survive. As Dean Stanley says, "You may destroy a hundred heresies and yet not establish a single truth. But you may, by establishing a single truth, put to flight a hundred heresies." And the wisest and best teachers of all the ages have advised those whose zeal exceeded their wisdom, charity, love, and Christliness, to "Refrain." They have seen that if this heresy, this counsel or this work be of men, of error, "it will come to nought: but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it."

The fact that Christian Scientists are so willing to be judged by their fruits, entitles them to a patient hearing and a fair trial. The fact that they never attack, but are always ready to rejoice and help in the good others are doing and trying to do, entitles them to receive a part of the charity they so freely give. The fact that when they are reviled, they revile not again; when cursed, they bless; when hated, they love, entitles them to Christian consideration, especially by Christian people and Christian ministers.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

While it is always the duty of all to hold fast to that...

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access